#lib.bllk

Even you, the widowed countess tucked away in the countryside knew the stories and rumors of him. Another bastard son of the late royal princess, given a minor title and the royal surname.

Another entry to contest for the vacant crown prince position. Michael Kaiser was rumored to be the most promising despite his lowly origins, he had already obtained a position in the coveted royal guard before he had even revealed his royal ties.

(There were other rumors of course, that this Michael made a name for himself in the antiquated, barbaric arena. That he killed the arena’s prized lindwurm with his bare hands and made a noteworthy amount of coin from his bettings.

Whispers of how he grew up on the west side of the abandoned canal, just another orphaned sewer hunter in that dirty lawless place built out of mud and smelling of dead fish and rot. Whispers of other unsavory things that you did not hear because that was then you gave your servants a gentle warning look.)

You did not think you would ever be involved in court politics and it’s tiresome drama again, you had barely been able to handle the fighting with your late husband’s family, yet here was your most beloved nephew gently asking if you could help this Michael fellow establish himself amongst the nobility. His framing was quite persuasive, your nephew knew your worries too well, that an unmarried noble woman of low ranking had very little power, even as a widow.

But if Michael Kaiser truly was like the rumors did he really need a reclusive countess like yourself? You were uncertain of his age but he must at least be ten years your junior.

The rumors stated he was intimidating yet incredibly handsome. Surely there were better options for him, younger more prestigious and wealthier noblewomen that would be eager to marry the potential future crown prince.

You would hate to tie down a young man with so much potential in a loveless marriage. You knew how miserable that was.

So you sent your dear nephew a response back, stating that you would be willing to help his friend in other ways aside from marriage and you assumed that would be the end of it.

You did not expect for an unannounced visitor to arrive at your estate a few weeks later. A pleasant spring afternoon, you were dressed in one of your simple lightweight gowns, a sunhat thrown on haphazardly when one of your younger maids ran to your location in the gardens. Her cheeks flushed and eyes twinkling with excitement. For a moment it felt like this mysterious visitor was her master and not you as she practically rushed you to the entryway.

If you were someone else, perhaps you would have noticed the large bouquet of impossibly blue roses in his gloved hands. Or perhaps the intense blue of his eyes, his long golden hair fighting against the neat style it was tucked into, the shape of his firm lips, his pale cheeks. Perhaps the thick black fur perched upon his shoulders or the rich materials of his suit would have drawn your eyes.

But around his neck he wore a simple chain and on that chain was a small silver pendant, almost shaped like a teardrop and polished to perfection. Yet you knew it was not a mere pendant, that the teardrop was a blessed token, unique to the old western side temple of Eostre, the token only given to newly married women who paid a worthy amount to obtain the fertility goddess’s blessing.

You had only held the token for a short afternoon back when you were a young bride yet you still remembered it quite well. The weight too heavy in your palm back then, heavy with the expectations of your family, heavy with the cold words of your new husband, your naïve dreams and young heart shattered. That little token in your palm more stifling than the dark colors and heavy fabrics you had to now wear as a married noblewoman.

Only in your hands for less than a day before you offered it to a young boy, a poor orphan no doubt based on the rags he wore, the dirt caked onto his body and hair. How he hissed and shrunk back as you gently handed him the token, blue eyes like that of a wild kitten.

The little token would serve him far better than it ever could you. You forgot exactly what you said but perhaps it was for him to use it, to sell it, to live. Sometimes you had wondered what had happened to that young boy, but not often. Your thoughts were always too pessimistic before the passing of your husband.

The first letter of your given name delicately carved into the center of that silver pendant around Michael Kaiser’s neck. That same token from all those years ago. Yours.

His movements, stiff yet confident, taking you out of your thoughts. Now only focused on the blue of his eyes. No longer that of a little feral kitten. Perhaps now that of a lion. Of something more powerful. More dangerous.

It seemed you would soon find out. His body shifting to kneel before you, blue roses extended upwards as an offering. His eyes unblinking as he looked up at you, gaze so ferocious it felt misplaced, unreasonably fervent, too beautiful.

Better suited for a goddess in her sacred temple, not for here on your doorstep, not for you. But it tugged at your heart, made warmth bloom that never did when you were a young bride. Was this how it was like to hold someone’s heart? How lovely.

“Marry me.”

Hiori's gentle smile, his pale blue eyes and fluffy hair so lovely in the dim lighting of the restaurant, politely taking a bite of his food every now and then as the two of you conversed. Conversation came surprisingly easy despite his seemingly more quiet nature, he cared about what you had to say and held obvious interest, making an effort. So cute.

He reminded you of a sweet little kitten, curious and friendly but also with a bit of clear independence. You wanted to see past that gentle politeness, see how fondness looked on his face.

Would he be the clingy type? Wanting your attention and touch whenever he pleased, like a precious kitten? Arms wrapped around your waist, cheeks warm, sweet, needy words on his lips? Being the only one to get to see him like that?

It wouldn't be so bad to date a man like that..

You could feel your smile widen, push against your already flushed cheeks as you take another bite of the delicious meal. Eyes meeting his yet again. Dazzling in the candlelight. Captivating.

"I had a great time, I'd love to see you again."

Hiori's words soft and clear as he walked you out of the restaurant, insisting on walking you to the train station. He kept his pace slow to match up with yours, your arms occasionally bumping as you navigated the bustling city streets. (With every bump, you could feel the firm muscle that lay beneath that soft, loose sweater he wore. Could almost picture the thickness of his thighs, the solid lines of his abs.)

He was too sweet, keeping close yet giving you distance. A small smile on his face every time the two of you made eye contact. He almost reminded you of a puppy. Did he want you that much?

You couldn't help but reach out to carefully hold his large hand, his fingers much longer compared to yours. Your heart beating faster as his own face brightened so beautifully, his hand shifting to properly hold yours. Palm against palm, his grip a little too tight before slightly loosening. He must be nervous. Adorable.

You wanted to see more.

"I'd love that too."

Maybe Hiori was more like a rabbit.

You couldn't help but giggle as you watched him maneuver through the crowded coffee shop, his face impassive aside from the slight furrow of his brows, the little scrunch of his nose. The drinks the two of you ordered kept carefully in his hands, his movements swift and quick-witted. Was this how he looked like while on the field? An energetic, quick rabbit? You couldn't wait to see at his game next Friday, he had already got you a ticket.

"Sorry 'bout the wait."

Your lips twitch upwards at the subtle lilt of his kansai accent. Over the past few weeks you had gotten to know Hiori, you had noticed it more and more. He has said it had weakened over the years since he rarely went back to Kyoto, but you could hear it come out in certain moments. Like when he talked about the latest video game he played.

Or when he was a bit frazzled by something, like when that rude guy had bumped into you without apologizing. It always came out so easily when you visited him at his apartment, that fast, melodic cadence paired with the slight flush of his cheeks, that warm glow of his pale blue eyes, his knee slightly bumping yours as you watched another movie on his sofa.

Yo-kun truly was like his name. A sweet, innocent sheep. Just for you.

His breath hot and heavy against your wet lips, a string of saliva keeping you tethered to him. His eyes dark and lidded, chest rising against your hands. His thighs so solid and ridged against your ass, every little squeeze of his muscle felt despite the fabric between you.

His baggy sweatpants doing very little to hide the massive bulge that presses achingly against your damp shorts, your soaked pussy, your stomach. His large hands trembling yet firm on your hips. Keeping you in place too easily.

"I..I don't wanna move too fast…I've never felt this way 'bout anyone before.."

A soft, needy pant against your lips, the next kiss so tender. He pulls back a bit, head lolling back against the sofa, his blue eyes glossy and mesmerizing.

Mesmerizing like the fast thrum of his beating heart beneath your palm. Your heart no doubt the same. Aching butterflies in your tummy, that delicious warm heat that filled you from your head to your toes. Dizzying. Addicting.

Had you ever felt this way with anyone else before? You couldn't remember. Didn't need to remember.

"Then we'll take it slow, Yo-kun…"

You murmur breathily against his cheek, your shaky, hot hand gently caressing his now messy blue hair. Oh how your heart leapt as he slowly nuzzled against your palm. Affection nearly dripping from his eyes, the gentle curve of his smile widening.

Your cute, lovely sheep. You would take good care of him.

Well.

Maybe a sheep wasn't quite right either.

Your eyes watching him as he moved across the soccer field. You had managed to be able to make it to one of his practices and didn't want to miss the opportunity to see him in his element.

How he darted effortlessly across the field, synced up well with his teammates. Sure, some of the others were louder, more flamboyant in their efforts, but there was something about the quiet, precise movements of your Yo-kun that had you captivated. He was not to be underestimated.

Hmm.

"Ow!"

Stinging pain as you accidently bite your tongue, setting your chopsticks down to hold your mouth.

"What happened?"

Worry palpable in his voice as he quickly comes to your side, brows furrowed and lips slightly downturned.

"Ah, nothing, I just bit my tongue.."

You can't help but murmur, a little shy under the intensity of his light blue eyes.

"Let me see."

His long fingers gently prodding at your pouty lips, your mouth easily opening for him. His firm fingertips a little too heavy on your bleeding tongue, you can't help but wince.

"Hold still for me."

A gentle coo. Though it does little to soothe the firmness of his rub. But you wouldn't complain when Yo-kun was looking at you so tenderly. He was just trying to help. Right?

Angelfish.

The pretty fish you spotted on that aquarium date with him. The vibrant sheen of the little fish darting in the tank so captivating. Beautiful. Cute. A little aggressive.

His sweet laugh as you pointed the little fish out. Your head against his arm, hand in hand. His eyes so perfect in the blue light of the aquarium. Luminescent like the scales of the angelfish.

That perfectly described your Yo-kun.

The way his eyes lit up at the first taste of your pussy. His glazed eyes unrelenting and dark as his grip tightens, chin tipping up to press his rosy lips more against your slick folds.

His large hands easily tilting you hips to more effectively suckle at your clit. Dart into your tight little hole. Adding a finger. And then another.

Another.

Not letting up until you were boneless and babbling, your grip on his light blue hair so weak. A gentle chuckle as he caressed your messy, drenched pussy. Sweet little coos at your whines.

His eyes sparkling as he licks his slick covered fingers. The sheen of his damp chin, his wet, pearly smile your beacon in the dim light of his bedroom.

Your angelfish.

His birthday, You wanted to do something a little special. Dress up as that one character he liked. The outfit a little more revealing than needed. The way his eyes widened, his smile bright and cheeks so red, you couldn't help but beam under his clear adoration, your heart fluttering.

"You did this for me? I..wow.."

"It's your birthday, Yo-kun! today, we'll do whatever you want!"

You flutter your lashes sweetly, make that seductive little pout that always makes his blush reach the tips of his ears. Causes that little twitch of his knee.

"Whatever I want?" His eyes crinkle adoringly, sparkling, his smile blooming. Full and toothy. Boyish and unrestrained. He looked so wonderful like this. So dazzling. You wanted to make him smile like that always.

It takes him but a moment to decide what he wants.

His hand trailing up the soft flesh of your thigh, parting between the flimsy fabric of your costume, eliciting delicious goosebumps as he gently thumbs at your panties, so easily finding your clit. Looking up at you with those pale, bewitching eyes. His thumb pressing down a little bit firmer.

"Sit on my lap."

His soft words almost like an unneeded command. His smile sharpened into something almost unfamiliar.

How could you ever say no to him? You wanted to give your Yo-kun everything he wanted. He deserved it, didn't he?

Your angelfish.

The cheers loud around you in the packed stadium. The VIP seat that Hiori picked out for you was more empty, giving you space away from the rowdy crowd. Thank goodness..

An important game for the season, to determine who would proceed to the championship. Of course you would be there to cheer on your boyfriend.

Your precious angelfish.

Ah..

Wait..

That wasn't quite right.

Your eyes lidded and glossy as you tried your hardest to keep your concentration on him. Quivering lips hidden behind the soft, bulky fabric of the scarf Hiori had gifted you.

Your heavy eyes on his figure, calm and precise as he moved across the field. That long strand of blue hair bobbing in the wind. Reminiscent of something. A fuzzy blur in the back of your mind, easily lost to all the other sensations that frazzled your brain.

You could barely think. But you promised him you would count all his goals, cheer the loudest for only him. You had to be a good girl for your Hiori…

Another cool breeze through stadium going right up your coat. Your seat too cold against your bare thighs, your hands shaking as you attempted to pull your long, puffy coat down more to cover them.

Yo-kun liked it when you wore his coat to his games, so oversized and baggy on you. It felt a little frumpy. But it was better this way.

Another string of drool dripping down your bottom lip as the crowd erupts into cheers.

Ah.

A goal.

Your Yo-kun scored a goal.

Legs like jelly, thighs hot and damp as you stand up. You needed to cheer him on.

The little vibrator shifting as you stand, the once dull vibrations now pressing too perfectly against your already mushy, weeping clit.

That familiar, tight, aching sensation of your lower stomach. A little whine on your tongue, your trembling hands gripping your coat.

The tingling rub of your pointy, bare nipples against your coat. Toes squirming against the inside your shoes.

Slick little droplets running down your thighs. Again and again.

And again.

"A-Ahh…G-go oh! Mmm..Go Y-Yo-kun!"

Your debauched cry luckily lost in the endless sea of cheers, but never lost to Hiori's ears.

His head swiveling to your location in the stands. A bead of sweat down his cheek, eyes still narrowed from the effort of his play.

His pale blue eyes glinting with that familiar intensity as they meet your fluttering gaze. Something dark and wicked lurking behind their soft, pale depths.

A reminder for what awaited you after this game. Your body writhing against his sheets, his favorite prize. Drowning to his hot touch, to cold metal and smooth silicone. Your tears, your never ending slick his most favorite dessert.

His smile-no, a grin. A sneer. Teeth pearly and sharp, jagged. Shiny. Tongue slightly peeking out between. Hungry. Counting down the minutes until he got to have you to himself.

Oh. That's right.

That's what Yo Hiori was.

Anglerfish.

“Really?”

Your pout curving into something a little more sweet but no less wicked. Leaning in closer to give him what he needs, his lips already twitching forward to eagerly meet yours, still slightly parted from the delicious friction of your heat against his grey sweatpants, against that little damp spot forming at the tip of his dick. The sweet little gasp that escapes his mouth as you press a little more onto his lap, dark lashes heavy over his eyes as you rock against his length again and again. The shape of your pussy too tangible through your thin wet pajama pants, the catch of your clit on the seam of his sweatpants, on the thick bump of his clothed cock.

“I-I love you.”

A breathless little whine against your lips, his face flushed and eyes dark, hands gripping your hips firmly, your pajama pants all wrinkled and bunched between his trembling fingers. The muscles of his arms strained, those little veins visible as he drags you up and down, his hips canted up to press sweetly against your clit, against your cunt, notching against your wet mushy pants, your hands digging into his shoulders, toes curling against the smooth fabric of the sofa.

Your pout forgotten in the uncontrolled flutter of your lashes, the arch of your back, that sweet, sweet twist of your core, the blissful weight of Rin’s name on your tongue.

And finally, one of your favorite sounds in the whole world. One only you get to hear. Rin gripping you to him, heaving chest against yours, his head buried against your neck, lips quivering and wet against your skin. Your name a needy breathy groan, a prayer.

Dark grey blooming across his sweatpants, soggy and sticky with his cum. A special flower only for you.

That first night he felt your warm, soft skin against his own, the gentle puff of your breath, the curve of your lips against his chest, little loving whispers so easily lulling him to sleep, he realized he could never sleep apart from you.

But his bed was too big. It was too easy for the two of you to drift apart between the silk sheets. It didn’t matter if he kept his arms wrapped around you, your feet entwined, he always woke up to only cooling sheets around him, your sleeping form at your distant end of the bed. The comforting sound of your breath, of your little sleepy murmurs far too distant for his liking.

So he decided that the two of you needed a smaller bed. But he couldn’t just outright buy a new mattress, right? He didn’t like it when you shrunk like a little mouse at his spending, eyes wide but not filled with adoration or happiness.

The uncomfortable twitch of your eyebrows, the tight curve of your lips when he had purchased ‘too much’ from your favorite brand always remained in the back of his mind. He would not have you look at him like that again.

The mattress would be replaced discreetly, shrinking every so often, little by little to ensure your comfort. Until you had nowhere to go except his embrace. Until your face would be the first thing to greet him in the morning.

Your lashes still shut, your lips relaxed. His hands gently tracing your hot skin, your silken pajamas until you finally greeted him with what he adored most. His name on your lips, breathy and tender as your smile bloomed, your eyes twinkling in the morning light.

Your sleepy love, the soft caress of your hand on his skin far more warming, more radiant than the morning sunlight on his back. But your affection would never fade like fleeting morning rays. He would make sure of that.

The jingle of your keys as you clumsily work the apartment door open, fingers still a bit too numb from the blistering cold. An awful day to forget your gloves at home.

But soon you’ll be in the warmth of your cozy apartment. Perhaps you’ll take a warm bath or head straight to the sofa to snuggle under your favorite blanket, scroll on your phone, and check in with-

“Oh, you’re home early!”

A smile already finding its place on your lips, warmth finding your cold cheeks as you enter the apartment, your voice bubbling with excitement and happiness.

Because there, in the middle of your little tidy kitchen was Rin. Already changed out of the workout clothes he had left in this morning, traded for grey sweatpants and that hoodie that still fit him from high school. Dark green hair a bit more fluffy than usual, turquoise eyes following you as you take off your shoes and coat.

“You said you were feeling gloomy earlier.”

Your Rin. Voice stiff yet soft. Tender. The tips of his ears tinged red. A bit of flour on his cheek?

“I guess I did say that..”

Did he know how easily he made your heart flutter? Your smile too wide to ever be contained in his presence. Did he know how easily his turquoise eyes took you to spring days? The two of you on a picnic blanket under your favorite tree, a soft breeze. The two of you cuddled together under the warm blankets on those gentle rainy days. A little piece of springtime always when in his arms.

“Did you make something for me?”

The giggle on the tip of your tongue, more giddy than teasing as you wrap your arms around his sinewy waist, cheek pressing against his shoulder as you try to peek at the kitchen countertop. That familiar soft little sound leaving his mouth, caught between embarrassment and adoration before he eventually nods. His heart was always safe in your hands. One of his hands covering yours, carefully lacing your fingers with his.

“I…the bakery you like was closed today.”

Two matching mugs on the counter, souvenirs from that away game a few years back. The ones he had you pick out through Facetime. Soft, fluffy, warm cake in each one, puffing over the rims. Little dollops of whipped cream and berries.

The simple mug cake recipe on that little bright sticky note. The one you had memorized by heart. Nestled between pictures of the two of you, movie ticket stubs, and countless magnets on the fridge. Your idea, from long, long ago, back when it was just the two of you and the desolate playground, the anger in his heart. A little recipe you had hoped would bring a little warmth back. A few simple ingredients, one more important than all the others.

All it takes is one bite to know that he has made it perfectly. Despite the slight burnt edges. Despite the slightly wet center. Soft, warm and sweet. So sweet. Going straight to your heart, his love settling into your stomach. The best taste in the whole world.

“It’s delicious, Rin!”

Your smile extra bright as you lean up to kiss him, aiming for his cheek before going to his lips. You couldn’t tease him when he looked like this. His eyes too soft, lips fragile and warm, that precious smile you adored. His hand on the back of your head, keeping you against him. The cold dreariness outside forgotten.

A recipe that would never fail the two of you. A few simple ingredients, and lots and lots of love.

The tales of ghosts and gods you overheard from servants sending a little shiver down the back of your neck. The ones your sister used to share with you when everyone else had gone to bed, smiles and naive giggles, huddled together under your warm blankets, dreaming foolish little dreams.

Now those dreams did not sound so distant.

Would you be whisked away by a mountain god? Made to stay in these mountains for all of eternity as their companion, their bride? Constraining silk layers and suffocating expectations cast aside for soft moss and free flowing streams, bare skin clothed only in endless mist and dappled sunlight. That didn't sound so bad..

"My Lady! It is getting cold..how about we turn back now? The servants have prepared warabimochi…" Your maid murmurs gently, that familiar placating tone, already catching the sour notes in the slight puff of your cheeks, the quick flutter of your lashes. Carefully placing that heavily ornate kosode on your shoulders, the lush purple embroidery of curved wisteria branches marring your back yet again.

You let the little green leaf you had held in your hand flutter back down to the rich ground beneath you. Fingers still slightly damp from the touch of cold dew. Lips puckering into that petulant pout you had still yet to out grow.

"My father sent me to the mountains for my health. My uncle said I could walk around his land as I please. And right now I am following their instructions. Are you questioning the words of your masters?"

Your maid folds easily. She had been with you since you were but a whiny, sickly little girl, always keeping your brazier hot, ensuring you were swaddled in fur and silk, coaxing you to drink the endless bitter herbal tonics. Soothing your tantrums and fevers. Rocking you in her arms and wiping your tears when you wailed for your sister to come back home.

She knew when to push and when to back off. This part of the forest was safe. You would sooner see a deer or serow than a wild boar or bear. You could only stumble upon one of the many monks that resided in the various temples throughout the mountains, there were no bandits or roaming warriors, no skirmishes between clans. This part of the land was untouched by human chaos.

So she took a step back and bowed, telling you she would wait here so you could walk at your own leisurely pace for awhile more. The wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, the progression of her sagging cheeks too notable in the speckled sunlight. Her light, gentle smile the same as always.

Huffy air finally leaving from where it was welled up in your chest, that tiny awkward smile forming on your lips. Giving her one last sheepish look before continuing farther into the forest. Deeper into mist and fertile forest.

Further into your thoughts.

Father had sent you to your uncle's newly built castle in hopes the strong mountain air would do you some good, like the physician had said. It would help appease Mother's overly excessive spending on herbs and charms and the pungent 'healing' incense she always insisted on burning in your chambers.

It was also an excuse to keep you away from the chaos back in Kyoto, your marriage into the Mori clan was now uncertain. Unneeded perhaps.

The Oda Daimyo's entry into Kyoto and his clear support of the imperial court meant that Father didn't have to sacrifice another daughter in a marriage to a lower clan for more funds. He could wait and watch carefully this time. His role as the emperor's kampaku always came first of course, but he didn't like tarnishing the clan's prestige to keep the imperial coffers full.

Whatever. It was pointless to think of such things.

You bent down to pick up a smooth little pebble. Beautiful despite being no different than the other pebbles beneath your feet. All round and tiny, grey and cold. Shaped and molded by the gentle stream in front of you. Weren't you just like this little shaped stone? Fate left to things far out of your control.

You kept it against your palm as you followed the path of the little stream. Your cousin had said that there were plenty of steams and rivers, little pools to cool your feet. Waterfalls. You would see where this one led.

The sound of distant, powerful rushing water excited you. Giving you the energy to push past the heavy rise of your chest, the drops of sweat starting to form on your temple. Careful of your footing on the mossy, damp rocks. Usually you would have grown tired from walking this long. But the forest beckoned you. A goal. A purpose. You had to press on.

Soon you were rewarded for your efforts. Lush thick water bursting down from higher into the mountains, forming the sparkling clear pool of water in front of you. Setting your little pebble aside on the remnants of an old fallen tree before removing your sandals and tabi.

Relishing in the feel of dark earth and fallen leaves beneath your feet before dipping them into the water. A refreshing coolness. Your smile drawn out easily by the tiny little fish swimming towards your toes.

Closing your eyes and letting the gentle earthiness of the air, the sounds of birds and water soothe your thoughts.

A loud splash nearly causing you to fall into the water out of fright. Was it a deer? Maybe a monkey?

A mountain god?

Peering into the slight hazy mist to try and discern the figure in front of you.

Something tall with two long limbs. Arms?

You shift closer, a twig snapping under your palm.

It turns to face you.

Sun kissed skin. Firm lines indicating strong muscle beneath flesh.

Wet hair sticking to the sides of his face, his shoulders. The hair dark yet silvery, reminiscent of mist. Big black eyes, too dark and fathomless. Looking back at you, tranquil yet piercing. Unmoving. Like that undisturbed serow you had spotted with your cousin.

Watching you.

For a brief moment you believe that you have indeed stumbled upon a divine being of the forest. Hands trembling. Heart in your throat. Goosebumps on your neck. Waiting for it to take you.

But then he yawns, one of his hands lazily scratching at his shoulder. Breath leaving his mouth, the subtle rise and fall of his chest. Human just like you. His crude spear and plain clothes on a large rock near where he bathes. Scars littering his arms, his chest and below his-

H-He's naked!

"I..I am not a peep!" You stammer, more of a squeak than words. Face flushed, eyes carefully concealed by your hands. Still able to catch a glimpse of the man between the little gaps of your fingers.

"Huh? I don't care."

He shrugs, continuing to cup water and splash it onto his skin. Drops of water trickling down..down..down…

Focus!!

"W-Well! I do! You should be ashamed of yourself! Out here acting like a..um a-a wild man!"

You promptly move to face away from him, hoping the shade of the trees will bring relief to your burning ears.

"You're the one that interrupted my bath…"

A nonchalant statement, perhaps not meant to be aggravating but it mattered little at this point.

Your nose flaring, spinning back around to face him. Pointing your finger, a hand on your hip. Your family would surely weep with shame if they saw the contorted look on your face. Succumbing to your petty, childish temper yet again. In the face of a stranger no less. Not suitable for a lady of your prestige at all.

"T-This is my uncle's land! You shouldn't even be here!"

He makes a deep hum, too soothing and relaxed as he shakes his wet hair and reaches for his clothing. A single plain kosode and dark cloth leg covers. Sitting on the large stone to wrap his well worn waraji onto his bare feet.

"My family has lived on this land for generations. It belongs to no one but the kami. They've let your Uncle live here too."

A bird sings nearby, weakening the crude point of your finger. The soft rustle of his straw sandal straps around his ankles cooling the hotness of your chest. His face still passive, calming like the ancient trees surrounding you. A sheepish pout on your lips, now feeling awkward.

A little cough leaves your lips, half true half fake, as your hand drops, fidgeting with the edge of your outer kosode.

Peaceful silence, not full of expectation or disappointment or judgement. Just silence.

"I um I remember now! My uncle did mention the woodsmen….your family is the one that handles the wood and meat and all that other stuff right? My uncle said he was um..very thankful for your service….um I-I am too! The bear fur keeps me warm at night..I like it…"

It had been a long time since you had uttered something similar to a compliment. It felt strange on your tongue. But nice.

He nods, lips faintly curling into what must be a smile. He stands up, walking closer to you.

"You're pretty. Do you need help getting back to the castle?"

You choke, then cough. Fully real this time. Your heart beating too fast. Face boiling.

W-What did he say!?

"Oh, you okay?"

He steps closer, towering over you for a moment before he slightly bends down, his large, sun kissed hand patting against the silk fabric covering your back. Uncaring that his calloused hand touched fabric more valuable than the land the two of you stood on. Big black eyes only on your face, your wobbly lips as your coughing eventually stopped.

"Thank you.."

A little croak, your eyes downcast to look at dirt and leaves. To see how the tips of his toes nearly met yours. His were large and toughened, healed blisters and other marks marring the skin of his feet. So unlike yours. But both were flesh. You were both just mortals in this vast forest. Equal. If you walked this forest enough times, would your feet look like that too?

"I..um..walk me back to the castle..um! Please.."

Pushing yourself to say the words you wanted to even though it made you want to die. Your sister had wrote in a letter once that it was good for your body and mind to speak what you truly held in your heart. Life was too short to let regrets stack up, to drown in what-ifs and what-nots.

"Sure."

He nods and takes a step forward before waiting for you to walk next to him.

"Um! Do you um know every part of the woods?"

Letting your curiosity out as the two of you walk.

That gets a chuckle out of him. Deep and soft. Warm. Lovely.

"No, but I know a good portion of it. My grandpa's been here his whole life and still doesn't know every where. The forest reveals what it wants when it wants to…"

Conversation comes so easy. He talks of the forest, of animals, of wild bears he's fought with his bare hands, the nasty scar on his right ear.

Your face flutters with so many emotions, your cheeks hurt and lips are dry from moving so much. But it's a good feeling. Usually you only feel boredom or irritation. You didn't know you could experience so much in such a short span of time.

"I'm Gin, by the way."

You exchange names, full names, and you splutter when he uses your first name right away. Big black eyes twinkling with something that must be amusement. That little subtle sweet curve of his lips.

He talks about his life and his family and you talk about your rather...stuffy, boring life. But mainly your sister and all the letters she sends you. The silly little dreams you keep to yourself. He talks about his encounters in the forest. That he's seen glimpses of the divine.

You're beaming, eyes crinkled and heart feeling light as he tells you he'll teach you how to befriend the local deer. A next time. It helps ease the sinking of your heart when you realize you have reached the castle.

Your maid coming to your side, distancing you from Gin. Her eyebrows furrowed, suspicious and judging as she looks him up and down. The layers of silk you wear on your skin heavy yet again. Suffocating.

But there would be a next time.

Glancing back one last time, eyes softening in relief as you saw him still standing there. The vast, misty forested mountains behind him. Waiting. Patient. Waving his hand until the heavy wooden doors were shut behind you by the guards.

There would be a next time.

Something delicate and hopeful bubbling in your chest. The smile on your face so soft that even your maid couldn't help but soften her disposition towards the unruly woodsman as well. Promising that she would help you arrange another walk around the forest. That he would be a good guide. Next time.

Your maid helping you prepare to rest, lighting your brazier, helping you change into your night garments. Before a gentle good night, her wrinkled eyes crinkling at the fragile twinkle now found in your eyes. Expecting that she would see it the next morning as she roused you from sleep to drink your morning medicine.

But there wasn't that next morning.

The letter that you had forgotten to read the other day, now left half read on your lacquered desk. Your father's announcement of your betrothal to one of the Oda daimyo's clan members. All the priceless trinkets in your jewelry box left untouched. The luxurious wisteria embroidered kosode left by it's spot next to the brazier. Your futon neatly arranged as if you had never slept. Everything in it's place.

Except for you. Gone.

Your Uncle's men sent to search the land and villages, the deep depths of the forest and mountains. Torches dotting the moonlit forest for days, weeks until finally extinguishing.

Another story added to the long list of tales told at night to keep children from being naughty.

The village people paid little attention to the increased frequency of the youngest Gagamaru woodsman's visits into town. Fur and meat traded for more than the usual portion of food and fabric. The occasional purchase of a well made comb or other little trinket of little use to him. There was no crime for being in love, after all.

Instead they focused on the rumors of the beautiful, barefoot spirit spotted in the lush forests. Dancing with the trees and birds and deer. Spotting her meant good fortune. That you would not get lost in the endless misty forest.

The tale of the beautiful princess coveted by a mountain god, whisked away in the middle of the night. Her laughter guiding others away from that same fate.

“Oh, you’re back!”

That sleepy lilt from somewhere on the sofa, hidden in the large mass of fuzzy blankets and various shaped pillows. Ness’s smile lighter, brighter as he approaches your makeshift refuge, his pale hand gently tugging on the sea of blankets as he attempts to unearth your face, to see the sweet tilt of your lips, the comforting twinkle of your warm eyes.

“Yeah. Why are you hiding in there? I said you can always turn up the heat if needed.”

His gentle query, his hidden pout met with that bright, bright laughter that he adored, and then finally your hand snaking up from under the orange and white speckled blanket. Fingers wiggling, searching around for his large hand. An invitation. A reminder, that you always wanted him there with you.

“It’s more fun this way! Come join me!”

Refusal was never an option, never even a thought, and soon he too was beneath the warm blankets, his shoulder pressed against yours in the small, dim space, his hands ready to reach for your waist to tug you into his lap.

“Isn’t it so pretty in here?”

The tops of your heads pressed against velvety orange and white, a warm vibrant hue drenching the colors of your pajamas, your face, the crinkle of your eyes, the obvious adoration you held for him. He hoped his face reflected the same, that his purple eyes looked a little warmer, a little more vibrant like how his heart felt when with you.

“It reminds me of when we went to that beach last summer, the one with the little tidepools…do you remember that, Alexis?”

The fuzzy blankets turned to a warm, gentle sunrise on the beach. The pitter-patter of the distant rain transformed into distant ocean waves and laughter, your curved lips against his cheek as you whispered little magical words of memory. You always made it so easy to play make-believe. His thumb on your chin to guide you up to his lips.

“Always.”

This lovely little blanket world, only conjured up for the two of you. Another magical rainy day.